Mating For Life - Review

Review by Marlene Engel

Former folk singer Helen’s feminist and anti-monogamist views have affected her three daughters.  The youngest, Liane, has met “The One” but has concerned herself with the “what ifs”.  What if their happiness disappears and takes the magic along with it?  She has allowed these concerns to affect their relationship and, in turn, steal their ability for happiness and magic.  Middle child, Ilsa, is on her second marriage and afraid that she’ll give in to temptation and be unfaithful.  Then there’s the oldest, Fiona.  She prides herself in having a stable marriage based on values, but her husband harbors a secret.  The life that she has become accustomed to is no longer.  She is determined to get back to that life, even if that means without her husband.

                                     

Despite Helen’s dislike of commitment, she falls in love with a man who holds traditional values of marriage.  She’s not sure if she can turn her back on her ways, but at the same time can’t bear the thought of losing him. 

This book follows the struggles and challenges that all four women face.  Together they help break down their walls and uncover their individual truths.  What they’re left with is the knowledge that no matter what life hands you, it’s our life experiences (both good and bad) that make us the people we are. 

An amazing debut about the power of female relationships.  Mating For Life will leave you feeling like you made four new friends.  Add this book to your TBR pile.  You will be happy that you did.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

I'm a National Magazine Award nominated writer and former magazine editor whose work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, National Post, Elle Canada, and many others. Mating for Life (Atria Books; Simon & Schuster Canada) is my first novel. When I'm not writing, I'm reading. (In fact, I never go anywhere without a book. Except maybe swimming.) Some of my favourite authors are Meg Wolitzer, Julia Glass, Alice Munro, John Irving, Lauren Groff, Margaret Atwood and James Salter. I live in Toronto with my husband and two children, where I teach writing, and am working on another novel.

Connect with the author at:

Website* Facebook * Twitter

She Sins At Midnight - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

Living in La La Land (aka Los Angeles), where a size 4 is considered over-weight and sleeping one’s way to the top is the norm, Lila’s ready for a change.  Holding the invitation for her fifteenth high school reunion, she thinks maybe going back to her hometown is just the respite she needs.  However concerns about the welcome she’ll receive when she shows up husband and childless gives her pause. 

But, Lilia Montgomery has a secret … she is the New York Times best-selling author of She Sins At Midnight.  Embarrassed of what her family and friends would think if they read her erotica infused book, she published under a pen name.  Her secret‘s safe until her publisher informs her that she’s up for a RITA award, the romance world’s equivalent to an Oscar! 

As she embarks on her journey, it’s a whirlwind of events.  Beginning with seeing her book at the airport gift shop and the Adonis of a man who tries striking up conversation, to the peculiar way her parents are acting and her best friend who’s life Lila wishes she had (complete with husband and kids), but finds out isn’t being fulfilled by.  Oh, and did I mention this was all just on the first day back home?

She Sins At Midnight is a fun, laugh-out-loud novel about taking chances, discovering one’s self and enjoying the ride along the way.  This book was so entertaining and the characters so amusing that I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel. 

Purchase the book at:

Amazon 

About the Author:

While attending the University of Illinois in Chicago, Whitney Dineen was discovered by a local modeling agent and began an unexpected career as a plus-size Ford model. She modeled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles with her husband.

When she wasn’t modeling, she was in the kitchen, baking delights to share with friends. Soon, her friends began asking her to send baskets of her wonderful candies and cookies to business associates, agents and production studios. Word spread like wildfire, and the rest, as they say, is history. Whitney’s sensational creations are still in great demand by her loyal celebrity clientele.

During “The Hollywood Years,” Whitney was bitten by the writing bug and started creating characters that are inspired by strong women with a great sense of humor.

In addition to her love of chick-lit, Whitney has also written a series of adventure books for middle readers.  The first of which, Wilhelmina and the Willamette Wig Factory, is nearing completion.

Whitney and her husband, Jimmy, have recently relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to raise their children, chickens and organic vegetables.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Whitney's Goodies * Whitney's Goodies FB

Whitney is graciously giving 2 lucky winners

A signed copy of She Sins At Midnight

&

¼ pound of her "The Girl Next Door" Crème Caramels

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Crazy on Board - Review & Giveaway

Review by Deb Czajkowski

In general, genres follow a predictable pattern.  Read a mystery novel and you can expect a dead body and the ensuing search for “whodunit.”  A romance starts by introducing this woman and this man, and then you follow their myriad ups and downs until the end of the book and the beginning of their happily-ever-after.  Pick a subject any subject (Wine-making? PCs? Playing Bridge? Travel?), and there’s a “for Dummies” book to explain it to you. 

Is there a genre for Throwing Yourself Under the Bus?  What about cross categories like Autobiography with Tell-All?  Author Heather Davis qualifies for all of that with her book Crazy on Board TMI Mom Rides Again. 

Crazy on Board is a compilation of “if it can go wrong” stories from her childhood as well her now married-with-children life.  If we all sat down and tried to think of a funny or embarrassing story from our past (or maybe yesterday), we could probably come up with one.  Maybe you can recall a family trip that involved a wrong turn and the subsequent misadventure.  Or maybe yours is the crazy uncle who snored so loudly after Thanksgiving dinner that…. Or the funny aunt who…

Now that I have you laughing out loud at funny family follies, pick up Crazy on Board and keep laughing.  Will this book solve any mysteries? Well, no, not the dead body kind at least.  Will there be a happily-ever-after?  Well, everyone does come through each story safely in the end, so does that count?  Okay, no, it’s not a romance.  Will I learn a new skill?  If you mean like sewing or bee keeping or writing poetry, then no.

But you will learn that everyone has a story. Some have enough stories to fill a book.  Stories that teach you that we all have some crazy in there somewhere, and laughing is often the best way to get through it.  Or perhaps the best way to remember it?  This is Heather Davis’s Crazy on Board.  If you need a few smiles to brighten your life right now, to help you remember that we all do goofy things now and then, or you just feel like something fun to read, pick up Crazy and get “on Board.”

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Heather Davis shares the hilarity that is her life at www.Minivan-Momma.com. As a full-time, work-outside-the-home momma (she teaches middle school English & colors her hair regularly), she and The Dad attempt to parent two bold, no-holds-barred daughters. Fortunately, she’s learned the trick to keeping her toilets clean, her daughters bathed and her husband satisfied in bed (and not just on Saturday nights!). The trick is this: Ignore it all, drink lots of sangria, and enjoy the ride! Recently, Heather was chosen as a cast member for the National show Listen To Your Mother - Northwest Arkansas. She’s also regular atwww.FunnyNotSlutty.com and welcomes Twitter-stalkers (MinivanMomma2). She invites you to laugh with her or at her.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

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Crazy on Board (TMI Rides Again) by Heather Davis

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Skinny Bitch Gets Hitched - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

Clementine is busier than ever with her restaurant, Clementine’s No Crap Café.  Business is booming and the restaurant is an overall success.  She has been so busy focusing on her career that it catches her off guard when her boyfriend, Zach, proposes.  Not quite sure how she’s going to juggle her career and planning a wedding, her soon to be mother in law decides to step in and take over the reins.  Although Clementine is willing to hand over some control to Dominique, Dominique isn’t good at compromise.  She has a vision for this wedding.  And, the more over-the-top, the better.  However, Clem envisioned her wedding day taking place at her family’s farm, knowing the backdrop would be perfect and would make her father, who’s dying of cancer, happy in his final days.  She can handle Dominique and her demanding ways.  What troubles Clem is how distant Zach has become.  Especially during this time when she needs the support and encouragement as she’s trying to land a coveted spot in the New York Times Sunday travel section.  He even shoots down her idea of opening a second restaurant, Clem’s No Crap Outpost, on her family’s farm.  Confused by his actions, she starts to question if Zach is really the man for her.  Clementine doesn’t tolerate crap in her food, will she put up with it in her relationship?

Skinny Bitch Gets Hitched is the second book in author, Kim Barnouin’s novel series.  Known for her Skinny Bitch books and cookbooks, the author incorporates her vegan lifestyle into these novels.  However, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy these books.  With the perfect combination of vegan and carnivore, snarky and sweet, this book is for anyone who loves a great story, realistic characters mixed in with some yummy food.  Once again, Kim whips up the perfect treat for her readers. 

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

 About the Author:

Kimberly Ann Barnouin was born on February 27, 1969. Yes, she has included her year of birth, she's in her 40's and proud of it. She was born in Rhode Island but grew up in Maryland. Both states were way too cold for Kim so she moved to Miami Beach in her mid 20's to thaw out. She now resides in Southern California with her hot French husband and their 4 year old son Jack.

She is the co-author of the New York Times Bestseller Skinny Bitch, and Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, as well as Skinny Bitchin, Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven, and Skinny Bastard. She released her first solo book Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook in October of 2010.

She is the founder of her website www.healthybitchdaily.com, a fun and informative green living guide for women.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter 

Kim is generously giving one lucky winner a SIGNED, hardcover copy of

Skinny Bitch Gets Hitched!

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Dangled Carat - Book Tour & Giveaway

Dangled Carat

By: Hilary Grossman

Releasing September 14^th, 2014

BookTrope

Blurb

For every girl who wondered if she should love him or dump him.....

For every girl who listened to her heart instead of her friends advice....

For every girl who l wondered if she was wasting her time dating that guy....

Meet Hilary....

She had gotten used to dating the commitment-phobic Marc, thirteen years her senior. They had a great relationship--why rush into things? She saw no need to pressure him for marriage, believing that when the time was right, he would propose. But after they had been together for four years, their friends decided to take matters into their own hands, pushing Marc to propose and making Hilary realize how much she really did want to marry the man that she loved. Unfortunately, Marc still wasn't ready--and their friends' meddling in the form of a faux engagement party led to a disastrous New Year's Eve that brought their relationship to an inevitable turning point.

For anyone who has ever dated a commitment-phobe, who has found their patience wearing thin with the one they love, or who has sat around wondering if he is ever going to pop the question while trying to remain the very picture of patience and grace, Hilary's humorous and honest story will hit home.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon

About the Author:

Hilary Grossman dated a guy so commitment-phobic that she was able to write a book about their relationship.  She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and shoes.  She loves to find humor in everyday life.  And she likens life to a game of dodgeball - she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing or blogging she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer.  She lives on Long Island.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

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Five "Name Brand" Perfumes (US ONLY)

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Wild Within - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

In this memoir, we follow Melissa Hart; recent divorcee living in Oregan.  While at a dog park, she meets Jonathan; tall, handsome and lover of raptors.  He educates Melissa on these amazing creatures and even gets her involved with volunteering at the raptor rehabilitation center that he works at.  At first, her decision to volunteer was solely with the hopes of getting to know Jonathan more, but as she gets more involved with these amazing owls, falcons, eagles and other “raptors,” she realizes that her desire to learn more about Jonathan has piqued her new interest in these animals. 

Content with their new-found relationship, Melissa is happy with not having children of her own.  However, the time and love that she shares with these wounded animals has brought out a feeling that she never knew existed.  Her desire to start a family and explore adoption was born out of her love for these creatures.  And she realizes that the definition of family is not in matching DNA, but where your heart and love lies. 

I have always been a lover of animals, so this book was one I knew would interest me.  However, it was more than just the aspect of animals.  The love that is shown not only to the animals, but between Melissa and Jonathan is beautiful.  And, as a parent to an adopted child, their story of adoption sealed my love for this book.  I absolutely recommend this book to others.  It not only appeals to animal lovers, but lovers of love in general. 

Purchase the book at:

Amazon 

About the Author:

Melissa Hart lives in Eugene, Oregon.  She's the author of the memoir, Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood (Seal, 2009).  Look for her new memoir--Wild Within: How Rescuing Owls Inspired a Family--from Lyons Press in August 2014.

Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Orion, High Country News, The Advocate, Adbusters, Hemispheres, Horizon Air Magazine, Writer's Digest, and The Writer.

She teaches Feature Writing courses at the School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, and speaks frequently for writing-related organizations and conferences in the Pacific Northwest.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Enter to win a hardcover copy of Wild Within by Melissa Hart

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Romancing My Love - Review & Giveaway

Romancing My Love

The Bradens # 9

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing September 15^th, 2014

Blurb

After months of caring for her terminally ill mother, Rebecca Rivera is left all alone in a world she doesn’t trust—but she’s determined not to let her mother’s death define her. Losing her job, having to pummel some jerk for being too handsy, and living in her car are just temporary setbacks to an otherwise solid plan in finding her footing. Full of pride and used to being in control of her life, she’s certain she can make it on her own. The last thing Rebecca needs is a man to fix her troubles—even if that man is strikingly handsome, wealthy, and charismatic Pierce Braden.

Pierce is a powerful real estate investor on the verge of a major acquisition. As the eldest of six siblings raised by a single mother, he’s spent his life protecting those he loves. He’s used to being in charge and making things right, and although he’d give his life for his family, he treats the women he dates as expendable—until he meets sexy and stubborn Rebecca Rivera, a woman who is as strong as she is vulnerable.

Passion ignites between them, and the two share their most intimate thoughts and desires. It doesn’t take long for Pierce to realize that Rebecca is as determined not to be saved as he is to find a way into her heart. As their love grows, Rebecca must face fears she didn’t even realize she had—and Pierce must learn the hard truth that sometimes less really is more. Is the power of true love enough for Rebecca and Pierce to learn to give up control and allow their hearts to take over?

Review by Marlene Engel

Pierce couldn’t take his eyes off of the feisty woman at the bar.  Not only was she beautiful, he could sense something in her eyes.  Something that made him want to know more about her.  Unlike most women who threw themselves at Pierce, Rebecca wanted nothing to do with him.  Yes, he was tall and movie star handsome, but grieving the recent loss of her mother and trying to get her life back on track were here priorities right now.  Her mother’s landlord had been kind enough to allow them to stay rent-free while her mom was sick, but being the independent woman that Rebecca was, she could not allow herself to continue taking handouts … even if that meant she had to live in her car.  She knew that, before she could romance the thought of a man in her life, she had to find a job and a place to live. 

But fate had other plans for Rebecca.  While at the Astral resort and casino interviewing for a job, she hears a familiar voice call her name.  She’d know that voice anywhere.  It’s the same one that’s been playing over in her head since the night she first heard it at the bar.  That sexy, manly voice belonged to none other than Pierce Braden.  Determined not to let this opportunity pass, he asked Rebecca to join him for a drink.  Only this time, she said yes! 

Will their friendship fail before it even gets off the ground when Pierce finds out that Rebecca’s been living out of her car?  And what will Rebecca think when she finds out that Pierce doesn’t just work at Astral resort and casino, he owns it? 

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Melissa Foster’s writing.  She has the hottest characters and best stories!  But what made this book a bit different, and made me love it that much more, is that she touched on some serious subjects such as illness, death and homelessness.  Don’t get me wrong, you are still going to swoon over the alpha in this story just like all of her other books, but I enjoyed how she incorporated such sensitive topics as well.  Kudos to her for making me cry one moment and blush another!  Another book that you must put at the top of your “to be read” pile!

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * B&N

About the Author:

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"-- Bestselling Author Jennie Shortridge

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately. This is psychological suspense at its most chilling. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked."  International bestseller, M.J. Rose 

Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * My social network for women * World Literary Café * Fostering Success * Facebook (Fanpage) * Goodreads 

Two Digital Copies of FATED FOR LOVE 

Braden's Series, Book Eight

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Seaside Dreams - Review & Giveaway

 Seaside Dreams

Love in Bloom # 21: Seaside Summers # 1

By: Melissa Foster

Blurb

Bella Abbascia has returned to Seaside Cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, as she does every summer. Only this year, Bella has more on her mind than sunbathing and skinny-dipping with her girlfriends. She’s quit her job, put her house on the market, and sworn off relationships while she builds a new life in her favorite place on earth. That is, until good-time Bella’s prank takes a bad turn and a sinfully sexy police officer appears on the scene.

Single father and police officer Caden Grant left Boston with his fourteen-year-old son, Evan, after his partner was killed in the line of duty. He hopes to find a safer life in the small resort town of Wellfleet, and when he meets Bella during a night patrol shift, he realizes he’s found the one thing he’d never allowed himself to hope for—or even realized he was missing.

After fourteen years of focusing solely on his son, Caden cannot resist the intense attraction he feels toward beautiful Bella, and Bella’s powerless to fight the heat of their budding romance. But starting over proves more difficult than either of them imagined, and when Evan gets mixed up with the wrong kids, Caden’s loyalty is put to the test. Will he give up everything to protect his son—even Bella?

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * B&N * Kobo

Review by Marlene Engel

At thirty years old, Bella is putting relationships on the backburner and focusing on her.  She plans on spending the summer finding her path in life and is hoping that her new job at the Barnstable County School District is just the place to start.  Developing a work study program will be her first step.  And, if she’s successful, she may just land a full time job and call the Cape her year round home. 

Bella and her best girlfriends are summertime staples at the Cape, but when a prank goes wrong they find themselves being questioned by one of Wellfleet’s finest.  And how fine he is!!!

After his partner was killed in the line of duty, Caden knew that he had to leave Boston to allow his fourteen year old son a chance to grow up in a safe environment.  Being a single father, his main focus had to be his son.  But the combination of single parent and a police officer didn’t leave much time for a social life. 

While patrolling the Seaside cottage community, due to several recent burglaries in the area, Caden comes upon some suspicious activity.  But, after further assessment, he learns that it was an innocent prank gone wrong among a group of residents who also happen to be best friends.  But it’s one woman in particular who catches his attention … Bella.  It wasn’t the fact that her hair was stuck in the window or that her pajamas were bunched up exposing her perfect behind.  There was something more.  But with his busy schedule, he can’t even think about a relationship right now.  Or could he …?

As the summer is coming to an end, it was nice to be able to read a book that makes you feel like summer has just begun.  The combination of best friends, alpha hunks and the beach makes for the perfect “pretend that summer isn’t ending” read.  Once again, Melissa Foster hits the mark with this book.  Her name is synonymous with captivating stories with the perfect mix of romance and heat!  And with the alpha being a police officer, who doesn’t love fantasizing about a man in uniform?

About the Author:

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"-- Bestselling Author Jennie Shortridge

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately. This is psychological suspense at its most chilling. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked."  International bestseller, M.J. Rose 

Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * My social network for women * World Literary Café * Fostering Success * Facebook (Fanpage) * Goodreads 

Two Digital Copies of READ, WRITE, LOVE (Remington’s Book Five)

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The Sea Garden - Review

Review by Deb Czajkowski

Jess Penhaligon has won the prestigious David Porteous’ Botanical Painting Award for Young Artists.  Now Jess is on her way to Devon to receive the award from David’s widow, Kate, who has invited Jess to stay with her for the summer.  Jess is excited about winning this award, grateful to Kate for her friendly graciousness and, oddly, she thinks, eagerly anticipating the extended stay for reasons yet unknown.

Having just graduated from college, Jess views this most welcome summer-stay invitation as indeed opportune.  Going home or, more correctly, to her mother’s home, is not an option. Jess’s father died eight years ago, leaving her, an only child, feeling lost and alone.  Jess’s mother quickly remarried, a diplomat, and moved to Brussels.  Jess’s only other known relatives are her grandparents (her dad’s parents), in Australia, two people she has only seen a few times in her entire life.  Even then, her grandmother was not the warm, cookie-baking kind, and her kind and playful grandfather is, like her father, now gone.

Her mother and stepfather are surely impressed with Jess’s winning the Young Artist award.  Still, her didactic stepfather claims that painting is a lovely hobby, something she can do in her spare time, whereas teaching is a solid foundation on which to build her future.  And her always anxious, often stern mother pushes Jess to heed her stepfather’s sound “voice of experience.”  Jess listens patiently to his pontificating and then happily disregards it all as she boards her train.

Arriving in Devon, Jess knows that this prominent award is the encouragement Jess longed for to chance pursuing a career as an artist rather than her former plan to teach. True, it’s a risky move, but it’s also where her heart is.  And then there is that mysterious pull she feels as she meets Kate and settles in. Pull toward what? Or whom?  Her past?  Her future?  Suddenly Jess feels that she’s not alone, no longer so lonely.  How can that be when all of these new faces are those of strangers?  Or are they?

After reading the first few chapters of author Marcia Willett’s book, The Sea Garden, I wondered, “Why was this title chosen?  I’m not seeing its significance, its relevance.”  Now, having completed my journey with Jess, I smile and nod, knowing it’s the perfect choice. 

Marcie Willet cleverly plants, sows, and weaves her story, a story that encompasses generations, friendships, mysteries, and secrets.  To meet the author’s characters is to know them, to understand them, to care about them.  Willet’s book is truly a painting of words, clearly depicting the Sea Garden, complete with the ghosts of the past and the visions of the future.  I highly recommend it, particularly if you can read it sitting by the sea!

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Marcia began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Until then she had been an avid reader and had never considered writing. When her writer husband, Rodney, suggested that she should—she laughed and dismissed the whole thing out of hand.  However, after months of nagging she agreed, for the sake of peace and quiet, to see what she could do. 

Eventually, she handed Rodney the manuscript of her first novel and said, ‘Right, I’ve written it—now you sell it’. So he did.

Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym ‘Willa Marsh.’ She is, as you would expect, working on another novel.

Success has not been limited to this country: she is now published in sixteen other countries - with contracts for books to be published in two others - and has been in the bestseller lists of both Germany and Greece. 

So how should her books be described? 

Marcia is a born storyteller and her books are beautifully written which makes them easy to read. Even so, they will challenge the thoughtful as they deal with the eternal problems that face everyone and often call for great strength of character if they are to be overcome.

Connect with the author at:

Website